Is It Normal For A Cat To Have A Wet Nose?

    The wetness of a cat’s nose varies according to different factors, including ambient temperature, exercise levels, feeding, grooming behavior, and even underlying health issues. MeetClaw explains why your cat’s nose is wet, whether it is always normal, and the relationship between cat’s nose humidity and health.

Is it normal for a cat to have a wet nose?

    Is it normal for a cat’s nose to be wet? Yes, moisture produced by the glands around their nostrils humidifies a cat’s nose, along with their inner tear duct. These glands promote secretions and make your cat’s nose naturally moist. However, it does not mean there is necessarily a problem if it is dry since an arid environment can remove moisture, but it can also occur due to many problems, such as overheating or flu. However, there are other reasons for a cat’s wet nose, and not all of them are positive.

Causes of a wet nose in cats 

    A cat’s water intake can explain the moisture levels of its nose. When a cat is drinking from running water or even a stationary bowl, it can wet its nose. It could also be due to grooming behavior. Cats spend a large part of their day grooming themselves and others. They do this to keep themselves clean but also to relax.

    Cat’s wet nose may also be due to weather conditions. When it is cold, and there is still high humidity, it is common for a cat to have a cold, wet nose, especially when compared to drier environments.

Cat sneezes and has a wet nose

    If your feline’s nose is wetter than usual, at the same time, they also sneeze and have nasal discharge, they may have feline Rhinotracheitis, which is a common infectious disease in cats. The most characteristic signs include rhinitis, mucopurulent nasal and ocular discharge, weight loss, sneezing, secondary bacterial infections, and even pneumonia. In addition to Rhinotracheitis, other diseases that can change the humidity of a feline’s nose, especially if it runs include the following pathologies. 

Squamous cell carcinoma

    Due to ultraviolet rays, this carcinoma develops more commonly in white or pink cats after exposure to the sun. It is a malignant tumor that spreads locally through the nasal passages, face, mouth, and ears. It can also spread to the lungs or lymph nodes. The skin becomes reddish with ulcerated areas and scabs with raised and hard edges developing.

1. Polyp or nasal tumor 

    Nodules in the nasal cavity interfere with gland function and can increase nasal secretions results in the cat having a wet runny nose. Inflammatory polyps in cats are non-tumorous masses that form from the mucosa of the eardrum, the Eustachian Tube, or the nasal pharynx. It is more common in young cats and can be congenital. These cats present stertorous breathing, as well as ear scratching and or dizziness. 

2. Pneumonia 

    Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites; in addition to a wet nose, affected cats will present a cough, fever, anorexia, lung sounds, and respiratory distress.

3. Foreign body 

    The damage caused by a foreign body that enters a cat’s nose is responsible for irritating the nasal cavity, causing inflammation rhinitis, and a runny nose. It also predisposes them to secondary infections. Go to the veterinary center urgently. Especially if you see the discharge becoming yellowish or bloody, it can be serious and need prompt attention. If you see that your cat’s nose becomes wetter than usual for no apparent reason, please take the cat to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

    If you want to continue learning about cat health here, don’t forget to subscribe to MeetClaw, and see you next time.

    Meetclaw is a company that focuses on pets. In MeetClaw’s blog, you will discover the high-quality article that is exclusively devoted to pets. Here you can find all sorts of content, including training, diet or pet supplies, and everything useful to you as a pat owner. Want to become a wised pet owner and buy high-quality pet supplies at an affordable price? Subscribe MeetClaw now!